The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), popularly known as Ridge Hospital, has condemned the actions of some relatives of an accident victim who d
The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), popularly known as Ridge Hospital, has condemned the actions of some relatives of an accident victim who disrupted emergency services and assaulted a nurse during a recent incident captured on video and circulated on social media.
In a statement dated August 18, 2025, the hospital confirmed that its emergency department—one of the busiest in the country—was overwhelmed when a group of people accompanying an accident victim stormed the triage area.
According to management, clinicians were already attending to other critical cases when the relatives’ intrusion caused confusion, tension, and a breakdown in service delivery.
During the commotion, one of the hospital’s nurses was physically assaulted.
This led to a temporary suspension of care in the emergency unit until calm was restored with the intervention of the Ghana Police Service.
“The safety and well-being of our staff and patients remain our top priority.
Any form of interference, aggression, or assault towards our staff is unacceptable, as it disrupts care and puts lives at risk,” the statement signed by Juliana Haruna, Head of Public Relations, emphasized.
GARH also reminded the public that filming or photographing patients and clinicians without consent violates privacy rights and hospital regulations.
A History of Disruptive Behaviour
The incident has reignited public debate on the conduct of individuals who film or disrupt operations at sensitive locations such as hospitals.
Critics point to the case of Ralph, a controversial activist whose actions in recent years have drawn widespread condemnation.
In 2024, Ralph infamously blocked roads leading to the 37 Military Hospital during a protest, insisting that “many people live in Ghana so if some die, what’s the big deal?”—a statement that was widely condemned as insensitive after reports emerged that the obstruction had delayed emergency care for a patient who later died.
Despite outrage at the time, his supporters framed his actions as part of his right to protest against the Akufo-Addo administration, sparking partisan debates rather than national consensus on the dangers of such behaviour.
More recently, Ralph was again in the spotlight after he followed Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, in Parliament, harassing him with unsolicited commentary and live videos.
Calls for Stricter Measures
Commentators argue that a lack of decisive action against Ralph in the past has emboldened him to push boundaries further—culminating in his presence inside Ridge Hospital’s emergency ward with a recording device during a medical crisis.
“What was wrong yesterday cannot be right today,” one observer noted, stressing that if his actions under the Akufo-Addo administration were condemned, the same principle must apply under President John Dramani Mahama’s government.
Some have even suggested that hospital security should have detained him or referred him for psychiatric evaluation, describing him as a public nuisance whose behaviour threatens lives and undermines the work of healthcare professionals.
GARH’s Assurance
Despite the incident, GARH has reassured the public of its commitment to delivering timely and quality healthcare.
Management has urged relatives of patients to cooperate with clinicians, respect hospital regulations, and allow medical staff the space to work without interference.
“The cooperation of patients, relatives, and the public is critical to ensure a safe and supportive environment for quality healthcare,” the hospital stressed.
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